Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of Anointing is primarily intended for anyone who is suffering from serious or chronic physical of emotional illness or who struggles with the infirmities of age. A person does not need to be in danger of dying and the Sacrament is not performed on someone who has already died.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick begins with the laying of hands upon the head of the person being anointed; followed by the sign of the cross being traced upon the forehead and then the palm of each hand with duly blessed oil that has been pressed from olives or from other plants. This is followed by one or more in a series of special and beautiful prayers. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1513, When performing the anointing, the Minister says—only once the following: “ Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

Please contact the parish office at 573.358.2112 if you would like to be contacted or visited by a priest or minister of the parish. We do not automatically receive notification if a parishioner or parish family member is in the hospital or need our assistance.